some say ibs some say could be lactose?

ive had ongoing problems about two years ago i noticed the first symptom and im not sure if something just triggered it but i know for a fact its gotten worse and i never had any problems since two years ago. Bowels are loose and its like i have diariahh all the time. I have bowel movements atleast three to four time a day. ive been to three doctors and one says its ibs, the others say try and stay away from dairy and they give me some prescription a bit stronger than immodium but same principle. Now is it wise for me to keep taking the immodium? I noticed it does prevent me from diarriah three to four time a day but it doesnt prevent the diarriah. Its still there. Is it wise for me to hold that bowel movements from coming by taking the immodium? If so how long should i take it? For the rest of my life? Ive only taken it once or twice so far because ive been seeing if my body is reacting to different foods i eat? There was a post on here that had the exact same symptoms i had but am unable to find it now. Just want to see if you guys would suggest me try something before i get a referrel to specialist.. ok got to cut it short. Got to go just ate some buffalo wings and they knocking at my door. please post  This is third bowel movement today

well... i have stayed away from dairy products for a fact for two weeks and about a month with just eating cheese every once in a while from a subway sandwhich. It makes no difference if i avoid dairy or not. Know that for a fact. Can ibs cause you to have diarriah all the time like i have?

apparantly you are not lactose intolerant then. Many of us become LT as we get older. Yes, diahrea is problem the number 1 symptom of IBS. IBS is a functional disease which is diagnosed when all other things are ruled out.

I'd say you're leaning more towards having IBS rather than lactose intolerance (I have both, including crohns disease)...have you had any GI tests done? Like a colonoscopy, blood work, stool samples, ect...first and foremost I would demand your doc (GP) to send you for these things because it's not normal to have D, there is obviously something going on with your GI tract and it needs to be properly DX so you can get appropriate treatment.

IBD (crohns or ulcerative colitis) could very well be the culprit, there is inflammation involved with either of these diseases. With IBS there is no inflammation involoved which is why you need tests done to hopefully get a proper DX.

:)

ok just as i was going to get my referrel to a specialist my bowel movements i would have four times a day just quit as easy as a snap of fingers. I woke up two days ago and now i havent had a bowel movement since. So im not sure if i should just take some exlax. Should i wait to see a specialist when i have the very loose bowel movements four times a day again rather than now? Im kind of glad i dont have to run to the restroom all day long but i know no bowel movement is bad as well. What do i do?

would you still lean towards this being irritable bowel syndrome??

ok just had bowel movement. It was loose but not as bad as they have been and no  pain whatsoever before bowel movement.  Stomache actually feels normal and i have not taken any laxatives or any medications. Actually gained a few pounds already.

Post Edited (civic2007) : 3/2/2008 1:50:20 PM (GMT-7)

ok thanks. My bowel movements are still looose to diariah. Is this something i can basically look forward to an everyday ordeal? Wow.. This must be coincidental that this occured the same time when i came down with another disease. Either that or it was a trigger. Are bowel movements anyway controlled by nerves in body?